Merissa Khurma is a distinguished policy expert, global strategist, and thought leader on Middle East affairs, currently serving as a non-resident fellow at the Baker Institute at Rice University and founder and CEO of AMENA Strategies LLC, a consulting firm focused on geopolitical analysis and strategic communications. She recently founded AMENA Foundation which centers its work on women and youth empowerment in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With decades of experience spanning diplomacy, policy development, and international leadership, she is widely recognized for her work at the intersection of geopolitics, economic development, and social transformation across MENA.

From 2018 to 2025, Khurma served as Program Director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, where she led high-impact programming across four strategic pillars: regional geopolitics and U.S. national security, economic development in MENA, sociopolitical dynamics and civil society, and the Middle East Women’s Initiative. Under her leadership, the program became a key platform for advancing dialogue, research, and policy solutions on some of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Khurma brings extensive leadership experience across a wide range of policy initiatives throughout the Middle East and Africa. Her work has focused on political risk analysis, economic growth and digitization, migration and refugee issues, education, youth and gender development, as well as governance and leadership. Her ability to connect policy, practice, and people has made her a trusted voice among global policymakers and stakeholders.

Earlier in her career, Khurma served in diplomatic roles for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, including directing the Office of Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein from 2010 to 2013 and serving as Director of the Jordan Information Bureau in Washington, D.C. from 2003 to 2010. In these roles, she played a critical part in advancing Jordan’s international engagement and strategic communications.

In addition to her policy work, Khurma is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, where she teaches leadership and mentors the next generation of global leaders.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Science in International Security and Foreign Policy from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McGill University. Fluent in Arabic and French, Khurma brings a truly global perspective to her work.

Worldwide Women’s Association member Merissa Khurma can be found on the directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Author Carmen Monica Oprea Launches “The Wildflower Chronicles,” a New Immersive Storytelling Experience

Author and storyteller Carmen Monica Oprea is proud to announce the launch of The Wildflower Chronicles, a unique subscription-based literary journey designed to bring the magic of storytelling into the homes and hearts of readers through the lost art of letter writing.

Moving beyond the traditional novel, The Wildflower Chronicles unfolds through a series of monthly, handwritten letters exchanged between characters. Each piece is meticulously crafted to immerse subscribers in a world of wonder, inspiration, and human connection. Oprea, known for her deeply personal and philosophical approach to writing, created the series to provide a “small sanctuary” for readers—a place where stories bloom like wildflowers.

“Writing has always been my anchor and my way of connecting with the world,” said Oprea. “With The Wildflower Chronicles, I wanted to create something more intimate than a book on a shelf. I wanted to send a piece of magic directly to the reader, allowing the story to grow and evolve in their hands every month.”

The launch of the Chronicles coincides with Oprea’s expanding portfolio of work, which includes her nature-inspired coloring book In the Garden and her personal growth guide Empower Your Path. Her work consistently reflects her passions for herbalism, nature, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Subscribers to The Wildflower Chronicles can expect a monthly delivery of joy, inspiration, and beautifully woven tales that celebrate the quiet moments and grand adventures of life.

About Carmen Monica Oprea

Carmen Monica Oprea is an author, blogger, and creator dedicated to weaving stories that spark joy and encourage personal transformation. From her interactive coloring books for children to her immersive letter-based storytelling, Oprea’s work is grounded in nature, resilience, and the power of connection.

For more information or to subscribe, please visit thewildflowerchronicles.com.

 

Worldwide Women’s Association member Carmen Oprea can be found on the directory where she is looking forward to networking with you.

Karen L. Bune, MS

Board-Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress & Domestic Violence (AAETS)
Fellow & Diplomate, Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/11852/
Articles: https://www.police1.com/Karen-Bune/

Karen L. Bune is a nationally recognized expert in traumatic stress, victim services, domestic violence, elder abuse, terrorism response, and crisis intervention. With more than three decades of experience serving victims, communities, law enforcement agencies, and justice system professionals, she is widely respected for her depth of expertise and her ability to translate high-stakes, emotionally complex issues into clear, actionable strategies.

Karen is a Fellow, Diplomate, and Board-Certified Expert with the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS), credentialed in both Traumatic Stress and Domestic Violence. Her contributions to the field have positioned her as a trusted authority frequently sought after for national conferences, professional trainings, academic lectures, and media commentary.

Her work has been featured across leading criminal justice publications, including Police1, The Washington Times, Washington Examiner, Officer.com, Connection Newspapers, and American University’s Alumni Success profiles.

Karen is also a prolific writer, contributing articles on domestic violence, trauma, victimization, law enforcement challenges, and public-safety response—many of which appear in her Police1 author archive.

Through her career, she has served as an educator, consultant, crisis-response specialist, and advocate for victims and families affected by violence and large-scale trauma.

Education

• Master of Science, The Administration of Justice, American University, Washington, D.C. (1978)
• Bachelor of Arts, American Studies (Cum Laude), American University, Washington, D.C. (1976)

Professional Certifications & Honors

• Fellow, Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS)
• Diplomate, Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS)
• Board Certified in Traumatic Stress, AAETS
• Board Certified in Domestic Violence, AAETS

Publications & Media Contributions

Karen’s work and commentary appear prominently across respected criminal-justice and victim-services platforms, including:

• Police1 author portfolio: https://www.police1.com/Karen-Bune/
• The Washington Times: “Citizen Journalism”
• Washington Examiner: Commentary on law enforcement leadership
• com: Professional profile
• American University Alumni Success Feature
• Connection Newspapers: Profile feature
• Multiple articles in national and regional publications addressing victimization, trauma, domestic violence, law enforcement, and crisis response

Guest Lectures, Presentations & Public Speaking

Karen has been invited to speak across the United States for over two decades, addressing audiences from universities and churches to national law-enforcement associations and multi-agency conferences. Topics include:
Domestic violence, elder abuse, traumatic stress, leadership and ethics, terrorism response, homeland security, drunk-driving victimization, media and crime victims, mass trauma events, and community safety.

Academic Guest Lecturer

• American University – Washington, D.C.
• Marymount University – Arlington, VA
• George Mason University – Arlington, VA (Speaker’s Bureau)

Selected Speaking Engagements

• Domestic violence & trauma – Numerous conferences in MD, VA, GA, TX, CA, and DE
• Terrorism & mass-trauma response – National Criminal Justice Association, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and multiple statewide justice conferences
• Leadership & ethics – Fairfax County Government, Maryland Law Enforcement Executive Forum
• Media issues and victimization – University journalism programs and community groups
• Community safety & prevention – Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, retirement communities, church groups, and public-awareness organizations
• Panels & plenaries – Multiple national conferences on victims’ rights, terrorism response, mass-trauma events, and justice-system practices
• Radio/Media appearances – Internet Radio’s Ray Baker Clear Talk Show on “Violence in America”

University & Community Service

• Board of Visitors, Marymount University, Arlington, VA
• Speaker’s Bureau, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
• Alumni Committee, School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, D.C.

Professional Summary

Karen L. Bune, MS, is a nationally recognized traumatic-stress expert, consultant, educator, and speaker specializing in domestic violence, elder abuse, terrorism response, victimization, and community resilience. A Fellow, Diplomate, and Board-Certified Expert with the Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, she has spent her career advancing victim services and educating professionals across law enforcement, healthcare, government, and academia. Her work is widely published and her insights have been shared with audiences nationwide.

Worldwide Women’s Association Karen Bune Member is looking forward to networking with you.

 

Speaking Engagements Portfolio

Karen L. Bune, MS

Overview

Karen L. Bune, MS, is a nationally recognized speaker with over two decades of experience delivering impactful presentations across the United States. She has addressed diverse audiences ranging from university students and faith-based communities to national law-enforcement organizations and multi-agency professional conferences. Her presentations are known for combining subject-matter expertise with practical application, ethical insight, and trauma-informed perspectives.

Core Speaking Topics

• Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Abuse
• Elder Abuse & Senior Victimization
• Traumatic Stress & Crisis Intervention
• Terrorism Response & Homeland Security
• Mass Trauma Events & Community Resilience
• Leadership, Ethics & Organizational Responsibility
• Drunk-Driving Victimization & Prevention
• Media Issues Related to Crime & Victimization
• Public Safety & Community-Based Prevention

Academic Guest Lecturer

• American University — Washington, D.C.
• Marymount University — Arlington, Virginia
• George Mason University — Arlington, Virginia
  • Member, Speaker’s Bureau

Selected Speaking Engagements

Domestic Violence & Trauma

• Invited presenter at multiple conferences and professional trainings across Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, California, and Delaware
• Workshops and keynote presentations addressing critical issues, response strategies, and victim-centered practices

Terrorism & Mass-Trauma Response

• National Criminal Justice Association
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
• Multiple statewide criminal justice and public safety conferences
• Focus on lessons learned, victim needs, and community recovery following large-scale traumatic events

Leadership & Ethics

• Fairfax County Government
• Maryland Law Enforcement Executive Forum
• Presentations addressing ethical decision-making, leadership responsibility, and organizational accountability

Media Issues & Victimization

• Guest speaker for university journalism programs
• Community-based presentations on media ethics, victim portrayal, and public perception

Community Safety & Prevention

• Presentations for Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, retirement communities, faith-based organizations, and other civic groups
• Topics include prevention, awareness, and strengthening community response systems

Panels & Plenary Sessions

• Participated in panels and plenaries at multiple national conferences focused on:
  • Victims’ rights
  • Terrorism response
  • Mass trauma events
  • Justice-system practices and reform

Radio & Media Appearances

• Internet Radio – Ray Baker Clear Talk Show
  • Topic: “Violence in America”

Audience Impact

Karen’s presentations are valued for their depth, credibility, and relevance. She brings a trauma-informed, ethical, and practical lens to every engagement, offering audiences both professional insight and meaningful takeaways that can be applied in real-world settings.